Words / B2

ni-gohsh-ee-AYSHUN/nɪˌɡəʊʃiˈeɪʃn/

Negotiation is formal discussion aimed at a deal: pay negotiations, enter into negotiation, a negotiation process. Talks is the news twin; discussion is wider. Negotiate is the verb. Often plural when they are a series (the negotiations). In speech, talks is enough. Do not use negotiation for a row with no offer on the table, and do not confuse it with negation (saying no / grammar).

Meaning

Formal discussion aimed at reaching an agreement (often plural: negotiations).

Examples

• “Pay negotiations broke down after six hours.”
• “Negotiations resumed after the weekend, then stalled on pensions.”
• “A last-minute negotiation saved the contract, which is the singular process sense.”

Good to know

pay / peace negotiations (often plural). Verb: negotiate. News twin: talks. Mix-up: negation. Not a row with no deal.

Near in meaning

talks

New